As a licensed clinical social worker for more than 25 years in private practice I have provided therapy and counseling to individuals, couples and families. I have helped hundreds of clients relieve symptoms that are interfering in their relationships, school or job performance or in their daily functioning. I am recognized in Cook and Lake counties for the work I do in the area of divorce and child custody disputes.

Therapy with Individuals, Couples and Families

When first seen I assess my client’s stated problems and/or presenting symptoms and the effects that these are having on their lives. I also assess my client’s strengths, assisting them to look beyond their vulnerabilities and the problems in their lives, to their strengths and their resilience. This often has the result of minimizing their symptoms, improving their view of themselves and their relationships, and freeing them to accomplish their goals in life.

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Divorce Related Services

The divorce related services I provide include: divorce mediation, child custody evaluations, supervised therapeutic visitation, reunification therapy, consultation, and support groups. These will be described in detail in the pages ahead, but the emphasis of this aspect of my practice is as follows:

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1) Helping adults navigate through the divorce process to see hope at the end of the tunnel;
2) Teaching parents how to communicate with each other effectively on behalf of their children, how to talk to their children about the changes taking place in their families, and how to make this transition as least traumatic as possible;
3) Advocating for the children involved, whether I am seeing the children directly or consulting with the parents;
4) Helping children express their feelings to a neutral person, and then to their parents so that they have a better chance of getting their needs met;

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​​Karen Grais Meyer MSW, LCSW

"I have known Karen Grais Meyer professionally for almost 15 years and find her to be a thoughtul and highly competent professional. Karen is equally strong in providing counseling, mediation and evaluations. I have made numerous referrals to her over the years, because of my trust of her and her skills. She also demonstrates excellent boundaries and and has the highest integrity. In addition, Karen also knows when to ask for help and brings in other professionals when needed. I strongly recommend her."